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'Spyro Reignited Trilogy' heads to PC and Switch on September 3rd
You won't have to stick to the living room to play the revamped Spyro Reignited Trilogy. Activision and Toys For Bob are bringing the pint-sized dragon's adventures to both PCs (via Steam) and the Nintendo Switch on September 3rd, 2019. That's nearly a year after the revamped classics came to the PS4 and Xbox One, but you probably won't mind if you've either wanted to play Spyro on the road or take advantage of your custom gaming rig. It's certainly a big leap for a series that was best known as a PlayStation exclusive in its early days.
'Spyro Reignited Trilogy' reaches PS4 and Xbox One on September 21st
After years of speculation and more than a little teasing, it's official: the Spyro series is getting a remake. Activision and Toys for Bob have unveiled the Spyro Reignited Trilogy, which reworks the first three Insomniac-made games (Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage and Spyro: Year of the Dragon) for PS4 and Xbox One. Not surprisingly, the graphics get the biggest upgrade. Toys for Bob has "faithfully" mapped the original levels, but with loads of added detail and flourishes that weren't possible on a PlayStation 20 years ago. And then there's the characters -- much like the Crash Bandicoot overhaul, Spyro and company look better than the original box art (not to mention Spyro's fiercer appearance in Skylanders).
Playdate: Racing into action with 'Skylanders Superchargers'
If you have an undying love of weird monsters, action-adventure video games, expensive collectible toys and wacky vehicles, you've come to the right place: Tim Seppala and I are about to play Skylanders Superchargers. That's right, the franchise that kicked off the toys-to-life trend is now in its 5th generation, enticing veteran players to dust off their figure collections for an all new gimmick -- planes, boats and automobiles. As for us? This is our first Skylanders game, ever. Come join us at 6 pm ET / 3 pm PT to find out if it's a good starting point for new players. As always, you can watch our broadcast on this very post, the Engadget Gaming homepage or, if you want to chat along with us, head over to Twitch.tv/joystiq. While you're there, hit the heart button below the streaming window to give us a follow.
Games of a Lifetime: Sam's Picks
After more than ten years devoted to video games and the people who make them, Joystiq is closing its doors. We won't be reporting on the best games of 2015, so join us for one last hurrah as the Joystiq family reveals their Games of a Lifetime. Some days, it seems like cynicism and derision earn more applause than kindness and optimism, and the things we love most can feel like they're the most neglected. So it can go with games, as we see hatred and vitriol spread online, watch quality of games dip and companies utilize decidedly unfriendly business practices on consumers. But there's a reason I got into this hobby, and there's a reason I got into this job: I love games. I want to see games continue to evolve, change and grow. I want my enthusiasm for them to never die, for my joy and sense of camaraderie in my fellow gamers to always persist. And so, at a time when it would be very easy to be jaded, we've decided to instead continue talking about why we love games. These are my picks for games of a lifetime.
Activision talks Skylanders Giants and the future of the franchise
We had a quick chat with Mike Graham, a design producer at Activision, about Toys for Bob's extremely popular Skylanders franchise, and the second release in the series, Skylanders Giants. Graham kindly let us in on the reasoning behind the new game and bigger toys, and what other possibilities might be in store for Skylanders. We also hear a little bit about where Spyro now fits in the Skylanders universe (That purple dragon that the whole series is based on? Remember him?) Turns out he's still in there, even if his name has been taken off the title for now.
Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure review: Gotta buy 'em all
There's some primal need buried deep within the human psyche that's fulfilled by performing repetitive, simple acts and watching numbers rise slowly and compellingly as a consequence. Ask anyone who ever got hooked on a Blizzard game; it's powerful stuff. Now imagine combining that need with another that's just as enslaving ... say, collectible action figures. Like Pokémon, but with a $7.99 price tag on each 'mon. It's the kind of concept that makes rooms full of suited executives twirl their mustaches approvingly. It's exactly what Activision -- together with veteran Star Control developers Toys for Bob -- have done with Skylanders. As much ecosystem as game, the full Skylanders launch range comprises 32 three-inch plastic action figures (most sold separately), a disc-shaped "Portal of Power" peripheral, an assortment of add-on toys that work like DLC, and enough flashy packaging to give your garbage collector a bad back. Oh, and there's a kid-friendly button-mashing videogame buried under all that, too. %Gallery-131485%
Spyro figurines bridge the console divide, bring flame-grilled peace to the world
Kids lacking the imagination to bring their own toys to life now have the option of letting a games console do it for them. Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure has teleported into stores, boxed with three toy figures and a 'portal device' that brings them to life in-game. The bundle totals up at $70, and Activision is billing it as the "first true cross-platform game", with the toys playing nice across Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, 3DS and iOS versions. The statuettes, which connect to the portal peripheral through embedded RFID tags, also store game data across platforms. The business plan presumably involves groups of kids investing in Spyro's latest yarn and swapping characters amongst themselves, while holding onto their own precious in-game achievements. If your little brother has trouble trading with friends who couldn't care less about the antics of lava-belching monsters, they can always can stump up an extra $8 for new figures. Click 'Read more' for some explanatory cartoon violence.
Spyro peripheral goes on FCC adventure
Spyro has seen a lot of action in his day, but few, if any, of his adventures have been quite so trying as his recent trip to the FCC. The commission took a close look at the Portal of Power peripheral for the upcoming Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure title. The circular device lets users store game information across platforms using plastic figures, so progress made on, say, the 3DS version of the game will transfer over when they boot up the PS3 version. The plucky dragon and his pie-like Portal of Power are due to arrive in October.%Gallery-130043%
Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure preview: Babes in toyland
Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure is one of those things that's tough to explain in preview text, but easy to understand once you've seen it in action. It starts with a series of real-life plastic toy characters, 32 in all, molded in the style of Spyro the Dragon and his friends, old and new. These real-life toys can be placed on a drum-like device called a "portal," that then connects up to your gaming console (the Wii to start, though Activision promises more later on). Once you're all set up, the action is surprisingly easy: Place the toy on the portal, and instantly that character appears in your game, playable and ready to go. Switch toys, and your character switches, but retains all of the XP and loot it earns on the go. "It's the easiest pitch in the world," says Paul Reiche, studio president of Toys for Bob, the developer behind Activision's new take on Spyro. "It's so emotional and primal. It's what you expect. You have a toy, it's in your imagination, it's alive, and the fact that it isn't is strange. So when you see it instantly come to life, it's a natural, pleasant experience." He's right -- while the actual game behind Skylanders is clearly meant for younger players (we'll get to that in just a second), the technology is pretty amazing to children of all ages. Toys for Bob has made the transition between the real-world toys and the in-game characters almost seamless, and it makes this kids' game worth a look.%Gallery-125347%
Qore Episode 13 includes free Spyro, removes PSP Go feature
Qore's first year is coming to an end with Episode 13. The delayed anniversary issue will focus on inFamous, Fight Night Round 4 and the PSPgo. Wait! It looks like the leaked feature has been removed from this upcoming issue. Strange, considering the damage has already been done.Digital bonuses included with this month's issue include a free Qore t-shirt for PlayStation Home, and a free download of the PSone classic, Spyro (playable on both PS3 and PSP). Episode 13 will be available on the PlayStation Store this Thursday. Check out a trailer after the break.
ESRB rates Spyro sequels for PS3, PSP
The ESRB ratings site has once again let slip a couple of upcoming PS1 releases for the US PSN Store. Spyro 2 and Spyro: Year Of The Dragon are both listed as being approved for the PlayStation 3 and PSP. However, judging from the fact that the listings don't include rating summaries, we can assume these weren't added to the database at any point since November 2008.With titles like WipEout XL, Street Fighter Alpha 2 and 3 -- not to mention European titles on the PEGI like Vib Ribbon and Klonoa -- having been listed for months and, in some cases, over a year, we're not expecting to see these Spyro games soon. If at all. Still, it's nice to know they're already rated and ready to arrive at any time. Possibly.[Thanks, Darkdrium777]
Spyro the Dragon ... the Movie?
Found in a smattering of random spots around the web (including a Legend of Spyro fan site, whose existence alone is enough to bring us to our knees) is the poster you see to the right advertising an upcoming film titled, "The Legend of Sypro 3D." Apparently set for release sometime this winter (according to the aforementioned fan site) "The Legend of Spyro 3D" is based on the "hugely popular video game series" -- you know, the series that Activision picked up over Brütal Legend and Ghostbusters -- and is brought to us by the producer of 2006 film "Eragon." Little is known at this time about the film other than conjecture and as such, we've reached out to Velvet Octopus (the film's financier) for, well, any information at all. We do know one thing for certain: The poster for it looks totally sweet.Update: Commenter CannabisPrime has pointed out that there is most certainly an IMDB.com page for this movie listing Elijah Wood as the voice of Spyro and Gary Oldman as the voice of Ignitus. So there's that!
DS releases for the week of October 20th
There are a lot of games out this week. In fact, it makes other heavy weeks look absolutely empty, and yet, this blogger only has eyes for one game. In the shadow of Castlevania, there is so little room for anything else. Luckily, even with such a big list, there aren't a lot of contenders even trying for the spotlight. Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?: Make the Grade Back at the Barnyard: Slop Bucket Games Backyard Football 2009 Barbie Horse Adventures: Riding Camp Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia Dancing With the Stars: We Dance! Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell Ener-G: Dance Squad Ener-G: Gym Rockets Ener-G: Horse Rider High School Musical 3: Senior Year The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon Lovely Lisa Master of the Monster Lair Mechanic Master My Baby Girl The Naked Brothers Band: The Video Game Pass the Pigs Smart Girls: Party Game Spider-Man: Web of Shadows SpongeBob Squarepants: Nicktoons Globs of Doom Tornado TouchMaster 2 Transformers: Animated What's Cooking with Jamie Oliver
Shipping this week: indecision edition
Oh boy. Not only are there eight new games hitting the Xbox 360 this weeks (and Portal on XBLA, lest we forget), but several of them look to be good games. Heavy hitters like Far Cry 2 and Fable II undoubtedly top the list, but there are some other big names in there as well. Check 'em out: Fable 2 Midnight Club: Los Angeles Far Cry 2 Disney Sing It Spider-Man: Web of Shadows The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon Dance Dance Revolution: Universe 3 Legendary Now, the question is are there any "must have" games on this list for you, or are you strategically withholding your funds for something else?[Via Joystiq]
DS Fanboy Interview: Griptonite's J.C. Connors on Spore Creatures and more
Spore has been much more than a game over the years - years! -- that we've been talking about it, and it's tough to produce a companion piece in the shadow of such an epic project. From the reception of Spore and the DS crony, it's sadly clear the two were destined to sink or swim together. But Spore Creatures deserves its own time in the sun, despite what you may have heard; for a handheld title, it's certainly ambitious, and the amazing development team at Griptonite Games has done more with less. Griptonite Games has worn several nametags in the past few years. When last we spoke with them, they were Amaze Entertainment, and their own identity as Griptonite was shelved. Now, Amaze is a part of Foundation 9 and the Griptonite name has been dusted off. In all the chaos of nomenclature, one thing has remained a constant: this little corner of the development world has been responsible for some real gems. We recently sat down with studio head J.C. Connors to discuss Spore Creatures, our Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night (GBA) withdrawals, and the unexpected excellence of Disney Friends (yeah, man, Disney Friends).DS Fanboy: Spore Creatures is an interesting companion to the main title. What can you tell us about the best aspects of the DS game?J.C. Connors: Hands down, the creature creator. It's one of the coolest features ever seen on the DS. Gallery: Spore Creatures #ninbutton { border-style: solid; border-color: #000; border-width: 2px; background-color: #BBB; color: #000; text-decoration: none; width: 100px; text-align: center; padding: 2px 2px 2px 2px; margin: 2px 2px 2px 2px; } .buttontext { color: #000; text-decoration: none; font: bold 14pt Helvetica; } #ninbutton:hover { text-decoration: none; color: #BBB; background-color: #000; } NEXT >>
We ain't afraid of no ghosts, just cancellation
If there's something strange in your neighborhood, who ya gonna call? Ghostbust ... er ... well, maybe not.With the Blizzavision merger, a few Sierra titles (like Ghostbusters) may get the axe. When it comes to efficiency, Sierra has been deemed a "non-strategic business unit," which (we're sure we don't have to tell you) is not good. While the recently merged publisher reports that Sierra franchises like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro will be safe, the fate of Ghostbusters is still up in the air. Offering a bit of reassurance, Sierra claims, "[Ghostbusters] is not cancelled and will not be cancelled." Some words from the people with the money, though, would probably make us feel better.
ActiBlizz drops Ghostbusters, Brutal Legend in favor of Spyro, Crash & Prototype
We have a love-hate relationship with Activision-Blizzard; we love Blizzard and their games, but really rather hate Activision. This confusing dichotomy was further cemented today with the announcement that the company is streamlining their output by holding on to a few key Sierra franchises. Namely, Spyro, Crash Bandicoot, Prototype, Ice Age and an as-yet unannounced property, leaving Tim Shafer's Brutal Legend, Ghostbusters: The Video Game, WET, and Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena abandoned at the side of the road.However, there's still hope for these games if another publisher swoops in and picks them up. Actiblizz will also be shaking up its Sierra-based internal development studios, with plans to "realign staffing at Radical Entertainment and High Moon Studios" (Prototype and Bourne) and to explore "options regarding Massive Entertainment and Swordfish Studios" (Wold in Conflict and 50 Cent). For the full skinny check out the Yahoo Business report. It's sad to see interesting games like Ghostbusters and, particularly, Brutal Legend get poor treatment in favor of dead franchises such as Crash Bandicoot and Spyro. It's a world gone topsy-turvy, where EA are developing interesting and innovative new IPs and Activision is "streamlining" anything that stands out in favor of safe, boring franchises. [Via Joystiq]
Spyro and Guilty Gear Originals now available
Hopefully you are prepared (we did give you enough of an advance warning), because today it's time for another amazing Xbox Originals release! Celebratory vanilla cake and party poppers for all! And this week's Xbox Originals are none other than Arc System Works' Guilty Gear X2 #Reloaded and Krome Studios' The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning. Each will cost you 1200 Microsoft points and some hard drive gigage, but also a cautionary note. Those who decide to jump into the Xbox Originals mix, be on the look out for "some minor irregularities with audio/video for brief periods" while playing. Hey, we're just saying.Source - Guilty Gear X2 #ReloadedSource - The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning
Xbox Originals welcomes Guilty Gear X2 #Reload & Spyro's New Beginning
Major Nelson announced this morning that Guilty Gear X2 #Reload and The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning will release will become Xbox Original titles on Monday, June 16. As usual with all Xbox Originals, each title will set virtual wallets back 1200 MS space-bucks and offer the same interactivity as the original retail release.Guilty Gear X2 #Reload, which we reported would see life as an Xbox Original in February, was a critically acclaimed fighting title when it hit retail and includes full Xbox Live support. Fighting game fans should take note as GGX2#R is one of the better titles the genre saw last generation. The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning is a Spyro game. So, make of that what you will. As always we recommend poking around your local game stores and compare prices if either title is something you'd like to add to your gaming collection.
Spyro, Guilty Gear coming to Xbox Originals
We'd love to meet the person who's choosing what games to re-release as Xbox Originals. Because, to be perfectly honest, we just don't get how they're deciding which games will get the treatment and in what order. Take, for example, this new coupling, arriving on your 360 on June 16: Guilty Gear XX #Reload (1200 Microsoft Points, WW except Europe): "Guilty Gear X2 #Reload makes its Xbox® debut, and, for the first-time ever, introduces online play with head-to-head Xbox Live™ support! Play over 20 different combatants and hidden characters, and devastate your opponents with an arsenal of eye-popping, jaw-dropping moves and combos-it's good to beat each other!" The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning (1200 Microsoft Points, WW except Germany, Japan, and Korea): "Explore the origins of the one and only powerful purple dragon in The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning. Uncover Spyro's secret history as you embark on a dangerous quest to face off against the ultimate creation of the Dark Master, Cynder." Really guys? Spyro and Guilty Gear? We've only got two questions -- well, no, we have dozens, but here are the two we're dying to ask: Just how big does a dartboard have to be to fit all the Xbox games on it? And which blindfolded intern is chucking the darts?
